I'm in freaking BRAZIL! Hell yeah!

Specifically in Vitoria, Espirito Santo. I marked this as my solo travel for 2015-- but more like a beginning of a new epic adventure!

It took me over a year to get here than originally planned, but I'm just really grateful that I'm well settled with my new environment, new city, new job, and new culture.

Some friends have been asking me how I ended up in Brazil? So I think it's best for me to address it here on my blog, sort like a comeback post, after a long hiatus (too busy settling in) and at the same time, I hope this will also bring inspiration to many. Wink. Wink.

Why Brazil?

Well, having lived outside of the Philippines for a decade now, I developed my curiosity for the people of the world. I have to credit to Frenchie for suggesting the idea of trying to live in every continent. And so, South America came to my mind because a lot of my foreign friends who traveled to the Philippines have commented that "Philippines is like the South America of Asia." That made me even really curious. I have to see it to believe it, so to speak!

But why Brazil? Because I felt that I can easily find a job in line with my profession-- English Teaching.

The country was the host of 2014 World Cup and hosted the 2016 Olympics in August. For me, it was like Beijing, China circa 2006.

What did I do next?

I left a good paying job in China. Packed eight years of my life in eight huge boxes. Went back home to the Philippines. Told my family that I quit my job and I'm going to travel my way to Brazil stopping by a few places in Asia, in the US, and South America with a man better known to many as Frenchie. ;) And yes, everything was uncertain at that time.

No definite plans, no job waiting for me, no friends and families that live in Brazil.

But then again, I know that deep in my heart, I'm going to be okay. It is of course rather important to be financially ready if you ever decide to take a route of a nomadic life. In my case, I'm grateful that I have families and friends who were generous and kind enough to adopt me during the whole ordeal of my taking-risk-mantra-phase-of-my-life.

How did I eventually end up in Brazil?

"If you build a dream, it will come." That's how I have always lived my adult life. As crazy as this may sound, but no matter how difficult life could be, your dreams will always find its way of making it come true for you. And the best part is, it's even better! Personally, I love writing down my dreams in on my journals or put it up on my wall as a #Bucketlist. I love visualizing my dream, as a form of mantra. And then specifically pray for it. GOD did the rest. :)

From where I came from, it is an open book that the only ones who can live and work abroad are the ones who studied in the medical field in college--- like nursing. When you're a guy, you should be a seafarer working on ships. Or if you're not a professional like that, being a domestic helper is the only option.

But I want to break that stereotype. I want to stop that kind of thinking. I'm not saying that to be a nurse, a seafarer, or a domestic helper is wrong. I have the same equal amount of respect to Filipinos around the world as to any OFWs. What I'm trying to say is, you can and will always be able to see the world, by simply doing what you're most passionate about. You don't have to settle to the norm or sacrifice your own dreams and desire. Dare to be different.

In my case, it was teaching.

Finding job these days, could make or break you. Fortunately for me, I have found legit teaching jobs online. It also really helps that you do a lot of research and get into forums to know which ones are suited for you. For teachers, www.tes.co.uk or www.teachabroad.com are a good start for the new career abroad.

That's what I did. I sent out a good number of applications around, waited for replies, did a lot of Skype interviews, and finally, being given a CONGRATULATIONS greeting. This whole process took at least half a year. I got a teaching job in Brazil!!!

When the job is right for you, it will come to you. Know in your heart that it will.

Positive thoughts, attract positive results.

How am I adjusting so far?

I am on my own here and I'm already adjusted. Frenchie and I are still on a LDR thing. I'm so lucky and fortunate that I found a man who is ever supportive, respectful, and understanding-- to what I really want. And this is one of my personal dreams, to travel and live in South America.

My goal for traveling is quality over quantity. And I have to give credit to Frenchie for teaching me that. I am not after how many stamps I will get on my passport or how many famous tourist places I can visit. Trisha of PS I'm On My Way, one of my Pinay #girlspiration has also explained her side into her recent post. I am also more into understanding, learning, and most of all, interacting with the local people of the country or place. There's certainly a whole new level of genuineness when you really immerse yourself to your new surrounding and it's people. Where valuable lessons and memories can be taken from. That's why I've chosen to live here. At least for a while.

I think what made me survive a new place or a new culture different from mine is that, I embrace the whole experience with an open mind and an open heart. I know that in order to keep myself sane is that, I can't compare the good and the bad from where I came from, because again, each culture is different and unique on its own. I have developed a deep understanding that some things are just way too different from what I considered "normal".

I remembered one instance, on my brief stay in the US, I took care of an elderly woman for a half a year, who has a life partner, age of 82 years old (may their souls rest in peace now). He was admitted in the hospital and the 911 ambulance took him there. But when he was released from the hospital, he just took a taxi back, went inside the house to get his fare because he had no money when he left. Not one of his three children has offered to take him home from the hospital because they were still all "at work" by the time he was released from the hospital. That to me, was a major shock!!! Because in my culture, when you get out from the hospital, you are treated by family members like a most fragile thing. Someone will bring your things, drive you back to your house, make sure you get settled on your own bed, prepared a good meal, and will never leave you unless they know for sure that you're 100% better. And mind you, he's 82 years old, who was in the ICU for days. How could they treat him less?? That situation has given me a new perspective. And I was thankful that my parents will never ever be treated that way, because we will drop and leave everything for them in that given situation.

That being said, I can't change any of that. All I can ever be is learn from it and accept it. But it doesn't mean I have to be that. Having been given the chance to experience new cultures, I have ultimately valued my own beliefs, virtues, and where I came from. It is indeed a fascinating world we live in!

To answer my question, yes, I'm very much okay and very well adjusted. Most of all, I love it here! Like a child who just got a new toy, I'm enjoying every bits and pieces of my new adopted city, country, and culture. And it also doesn't hurt that the Brazilian women are too sexy and gorgeous and the Brazilian men are such an eye candy...nakaka laglag ng panty!!! haha!